A History of the NFL and Thanksgiving: How Football Became a Holiday Staple
Thanksgiving and football are an iconic duo, deeply ingrained in American culture. For many, the holiday isn’t complete without a hearty meal and an afternoon of NFL games. But how did this tradition begin? The answer lies in the convergence of America’s love for sports, a desire for unity, and the marketing savvy of the NFL.
Thanksgiving and Football: The Early Years
The connection between Thanksgiving and football predates the NFL itself. In the late 19th century, college football games on Thanksgiving Day were common, with rivalries like Yale vs. Princeton drawing thousands of spectators. The tradition of Thanksgiving football provided a way for Americans to celebrate their shared identity and enjoy leisure time during the holiday.
When the NFL was founded in 1920, the league quickly recognized Thanksgiving’s potential for bringing in audiences. By 1925, the Detroit Lions (then known as the Portsmouth Spartans) embraced Thanksgiving football, hoping to boost attendance. Their gamble paid off, cementing the tradition of professional games on Thanksgiving Day.
The Detroit Lions and Thanksgiving
The Lions are synonymous with Thanksgiving football, thanks to team owner George A. Richards. In 1934, Richards saw Thanksgiving as an opportunity to promote his team, which struggled with attendance in a baseball-dominated sports town. He struck a deal to broadcast the game on NBC radio nationwide, creating one of the NFL’s first major media partnerships.
The inaugural Thanksgiving Day game featured the Lions hosting the Chicago Bears, the reigning NFL champions. Though the Lions lost, the success of the broadcast made Thanksgiving games an annual event for Detroit.
The Dallas Cowboys Join the Tradition
In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined the Thanksgiving Day lineup, adding another layer to the tradition. Cowboys general manager Tex Schramm saw the holiday as a chance to boost his team’s visibility. His foresight turned Dallas into “America’s Team” and established a dual-game tradition for Thanksgiving.
The Cowboys’ games often featured high drama, legendary players, and memorable moments, making their Thanksgiving matchups must-watch events.
Cultural Significance: Turkey, Family, and Football
The Thanksgiving holiday centers on gratitude and family, and football plays a vital role in bringing people together. Generations of fans have gathered around the television, plates full of turkey and stuffing, to watch iconic players like Barry Sanders, Troy Aikman, and Randy Moss dominate Thanksgiving games.
The NFL capitalized on this cultural overlap, introducing the “Galloping Gobbler” trophy in 2002, awarded to the MVP of the day’s games. This playful tradition added an extra layer of entertainment, celebrating the best performances on the holiday.
Thanksgiving in the Modern NFL
Today, the NFL features three games on Thanksgiving Day, showcasing teams from across the league. Broadcasted nationally, these games remain a highlight of the NFL season and a centerpiece of Thanksgiving festivities.
Modern players embrace the spotlight, delivering incredible moments for fans to savor. Who could forget Randy Moss’s three-touchdown performance in 1998, or Leon Lett’s infamous blunder in 1993?
Why the Tradition Endures
Thanksgiving football has become more than just a game. It’s a reflection of American values—family, food, and friendly competition. The NFL’s embrace of Thanksgiving ensures that the tradition will continue to bring joy, drama, and excitement to fans for generations to come.
So, as you settle in with your turkey and pumpkin pie, remember: the Thanksgiving football tradition is as much about celebrating America’s past as it is about enjoying the present.